Rodney L. Ellis, of Arkport

ARKPORT-Rodney L. Ellis, 73, passed away early Tuesday morning (April 10,2018) at his home on Willey Road, following a long illness.

Born at his family home in Canaseraga on March 27, 1945, he was a son of the late Willard and Venitha (Smith) Ellis. On June 27, 1970, he was married at the former Spencer United Methodist Church in Hornell to the former Mary L. Barnes, who predeceased him on Aug. 9, 2016, after 46 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his three brothers, Edward, Dennis and Reginald Ellis.

A graduate of Canaseraga Central School, Rodney was a life long resident of the Arkport area.

He began his career as a truck driver with his late uncle, Gene Ellis, who owned Ellis Milking in Arkport and eventually became employed as an “over the road” truck driver. At one time he was also employed for the Town of Burns before he began his 35 years of employment with United Parcel Service (UPS) in Arkport. Rodney was very proud of his service with UPS; he travelled between three and four million miles and received many safe drive awards from the company for his outstanding service.

He was a long time active member of the Larger Parish Church in Canaseraga and was also a member of Campers Haven in Bath where he enjoyed spending time camping. Throughout the years Rodney also was very involved with the 21st Georgia Civil War Infantry Reenactment and with the Arkport Community volunteering his time at Summerfest and as a Girls Softball coach.

An avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, Rodney also loved animals especially his cats, dogs, chickens and the draft horses and thoroughbred horses that he owned. He also enjoyed gardening, canning and anything involving history and especially liked to watch war movies. His favorite times were those spent with his family and friends and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events; but he will be remembered most of all for his wonderful smile and his amazing sense of humor.

His loving family includes his two daughters, Wendy (Shannon) Milliman of Hornell and Tonya Ellis (fiancé, Jeff Shutt) of Arkport; his four grandchildren, Griffin and Graysen Milliman and Gavin and Kaiden Ellis; his sister, Amanda (Harry) Delosh of Canaseraga; his two brothers, Bill (Sandy) Ellis of Canaseraga and Avis (Christine) Ellis of Hartsville; his two sisters-in-law, Anne (Seth) Corwin and Bonnie Barnes all of Hornell; his brother-in-law, Lincoln (Elaine) Barnes also of Hornell; as well as his nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Rodney L. Ellis.

Calling hours are 3-6 p.m. Saturday (April 14, 2018) at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Friends are invited to meet his family at the Larger Parish Church, 20 Pratt St., Canaseraga where a funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday (April 15, 2018), with the Pastor Jess Flint officiating. Interment will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Larger Parish Church, 20 Pratt St., Canaseraga, N.Y. 14822. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.